If you’re gearing up for one of the Threshold Trail Series adventures this year, you’re in for an incredible experience. Whether you’re taking on your first ultra or pushing for a personal best, training effectively is the key to success. To help you on this journey, we’ve teamed up with Runna, the running coaching app, to bring you expert advice from co-founder and head coach, Ben.
Setting Up a Sustainable Training Block
“Don’t just think about the running,” Ben advises. “Strength training and mobility exercises will help you stay injury-free and improve your overall performance.” By incorporating these elements, you’ll build a well-rounded routine that supports long-term progress.
Building a training routine that is both sustainable and enjoyable is crucial, says Ben. One of the biggest mistakes runners make is ramping up training too quickly. If you’re used to training twice a week, don’t suddenly jump to five sessions. Instead, increase your volume gradually so you can adapt without risking injury or burnout.
Staying Motivated During Training
Long training blocks can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when race day is still months away. Ben suggests three key strategies to keep motivation high, starting with accountability.
“Telling your friends and family about your goal makes it easier to stay on track,” he says. When others know about your training, you’re more likely to follow through, even on days when motivation dips.
Next, consider adding a ‘B-race’ into your training block. This gives you a short-term milestone to work towards, breaking up the journey and providing “a really good confidence boost” as you progress.
Finally, having a structured plan is essential. “Knowing what you’re doing in advance takes the stress out of training,” says Ben. Sticking to a plan ensures consistency and removes the need to decide each day what your session should be.
Nutritional advice for Ultramarathon Training
Training for an ultramarathon requires significant commitment—not just in time and effort, but also in how you fuel your body. Proper nutrition is essential to support your energy demands and recovery.
“Eat like a king,” Ben advises. “You’ll be doing an enormous amount of training, so you need to fuel properly to perform well and recover effectively.” Under-fuelling can lead to fatigue and injury, so prioritising a diet rich in quality nutrients will help you get the most out of your training.
Final Thoughts
Training for a Threshold Trail Series event is a rewarding but demanding process. By building a sustainable training block, staying motivated with accountability and B-races, and fuelling your body properly, you’ll set yourself up for success. Stick to your plan, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the journey. See you at the start line!
